This Day In Sports History (December 31st) — Mario Lemieux

It was on this day in 1988 that Pittsburgh Penguins center Mario Lemieux scored five goals in five different ways. Lemieux recorded a goal at even-strength, shorthanded, on the power-play, on a penalty shot and into an empty-net.

Lemieux became the first, and remains the only, player to accomplish this impressive feat. Along with scoring the five goals, Lemieux also recorded three assists to record a career high eight points in the Penguins 8-6 win over the New Jersey Devils. Later that year in the playoffs, Lemieux had another five goal and three assist game against the Philadelphia Flyers. In that game he tied the NHL record for most goals and points in a playoff game, most goals in a playoff period with four, and most assists in a post-season period with three.

Mario Lemieux is considered one of the greatest hockey players of all-time and this game proved his dominance in all facets of the game. Whether it was on the power-play, short-handed, even strength or at the end of the game, Lemieux’s coaches and teammates can always count on #66 to perform at a high-level.